Erasmus Darwin Academy
Erasmus Darwin Academy
Henry Chadwick Primary
Henry Chadwick Primary
Highfields Primary Academy
Highfields Primary Academy
Holly Grove Primary Academy
Holly Grove Primary Academy
Queen's Croft High School
Queen's Croft High School
Ridgeway Primary Academy
Ridgeway Primary Academy
The Friary School
The Friary School
Latest News
Domestic and Gender-Based Violence in Our Local Community
Domestic and Gender-Based Violence in Our Local CommunityLooking back, the Lichfield Community Safety Partnership’s Community Safety Delivery Plan and Community Safety Strategy (2022-2025) identified six key priorities: * Domestic abuse * Violence against women and girls (VAWG) * Anti-social behaviour * County lines * Serious violence * Crime prevention These were areas where partners committed resources to reduce incidents, reduce harm and support vulnerable residents. Domestic Abuse The Community Safety Delivery Plan recognised domestic abuse as one of the highest-risk issues facing local communities and one of the largest demands on partner agencies. The district’s approach focuses on: * Supporting victims and survivors. * Early identification of abuse. * Multi-agency working between council services, police, health organisations and specialist support providers. * Reducing harm and protecting vulnerable adults and children. *  Increasing awareness and access to support services. Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) The Delivery Plan stated that the partnership recognised the need for a “clear and unequivocal Lichfield response” to violence against women and girls and committed to developing and strengthening its response. The council subsequently adopted a stronger public position on VAWG, including commitments to: * Work with survivors and local support organisations. * Develop local strategies and action plans. * Work with police, education providers, housing services, health services and community organisations. *  Appoint a VAWG champion. * Obtain White Ribbon Accreditation and promote cultural change around violence towards women and girls. The council’s VAWG commitments specifically referenced working with education partners to meet the needs of survivors and help challenge attitudes that contribute to violence against women and girls. Matt Allman, Chief Education Officer, said: “The plan undertook a great deal of work on these topics and it very much flagged that the issues of domestic / gender-based violence remain very much alive in our local community. Schools play a significant part in helping children growing into adults who recognise the scourge that is such violence, and to support those children and families afflicted by this problem. Thought the Lichfield District Council Plan has now been completed, our Trust and schools retain a sharp focus on these issues and our work continues.” [...]
Operation Encompass
Operation EncompassFollowing our recent communication regarding Domestic Abuse Awareness Week, we would like to take this opportunity to remind families that our school is part of Operation Encompass, a national safeguarding initiative that operates jointly between schools and police forces. Operation Encompass aims to support children and young people who may have experienced domestic abuse. It enables the police to notify schools, before the start of the next school day, when they have attended an incident of domestic abuse at a home where a child is present, has heard, seen, or been affected by the incident. We recognise that domestic abuse can have a significant impact on children and young people, affecting their emotional wellbeing, behaviour, attendance, relationships, and ability to engage in learning. Through Operation Encompass, schools can provide timely and appropriate support when it is needed most. Within our school, trained members of staff, including our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and safeguarding team, act as Key Adults. They have received Operation Encompass training and are responsible for receiving and handling this information confidentially. Information shared by the police is used solely to ensure that appropriate support can be put in place for the child or young person. The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 recognises children who experience domestic abuse as victims in their own right, reflecting the profound impact that domestic abuse can have on their lives. In addition, on 24 May 2024, the Victims and Prisoners Act received Royal Assent, placing Operation Encompass on a statutory footing. This means that police forces now have a legal duty to share Operation Encompass notifications with schools and educational settings. Toph Briggs, Primitas Safeguarding Lead Professional, said: “As a Trust, we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all pupils. Being part of Operation Encompass strengthens our ability to support children who may be experiencing difficulties at home and ensures that help can be provided sensitively, discreetly, and at the earliest opportunity.” If you would like further information about Operation Encompass or support relating to domestic abuse, please contact the school’s safeguarding team. Additional information can also be found at www.operationencompass.org. [...]
The Pathway Project
The Pathway ProjectThe Pathway Project is a Staffordshire-based charity that provides specialist support for adults, young people and children affected by domestic and sexual abuse. Based in Lichfield and Tamworth, the organisation offers a wide range of services including a 24-hour helpline, refuge accommodation, outreach support, counselling, children’s services, and specialist advocacy for victims. The charity’s mission is to help victims become survivors by providing practical assistance, emotional support, and opportunities to rebuild their lives free from abuse. Founded more than 25 years ago by Kathy Coe MBE, a survivor of domestic abuse herself, the organisation was created to address the lack of specialist support available within Staffordshire. Over the years, Pathway Project has helped more than 25,000 people and continues to support thousands of individuals each year through its dedicated services. The charity receives thousands of helpline calls annually and operates two refuges in confidential locations, providing safety and support for those escaping abusive situations.  Its specialist teams work closely with individuals and families to improve safety, access housing and legal support, and recover from the impact of abuse and trauma. Particular emphasis is placed on supporting children and young people who have been affected by domestic abuse, helping them to develop resilience and achieve positive outcomes. The organisation’s vision is that everyone has the right to live safely and free from abuse and for many people across Staffordshire, Pathway Project provides a vital lifeline, helping individuals move from crisis and fear towards safety, recovery, and a brighter future. Anyone seeking advice or support can contact the charity’s 24-hour confidential helpline on 01543 676800. Email support is available via talktoeve@pathway-project.co.uk, and further information about services can be obtained from the Hope Centre in Lichfield. For more information about The Pathway Project visit: Home – Pathway Project [...]
Victim Support – Charity Support for Domestic Violence
Victim Support – Charity Support for Domestic ViolenceVictim Support is an independent charity dedicated to supporting people affected by crime and traumatic events across England and Wales. The organisation provides free, confidential support to victims, witnesses, and anyone impacted by criminal activity, regardless of whether the crime has been reported to the police. Trained staff and volunteers offer emotional support, practical advice, and information to help people cope and recover. Support is tailored to individual needs and can include assistance with personal safety, navigating the criminal justice system, and accessing other specialist services. Victim Support recognises that the effects of crime can be long-lasting and that everyone responds differently to their experiences. The charity works to ensure that those affected feel listened to, understood, and empowered to move forward. Services are available to people of all ages, backgrounds, and circumstances. Anyone seeking help or further information can contact Victim Support directly through its national support services and local teams. Victim Support is an independent charity dedicated to supporting people affected by crime and traumatic events in England and Wales. Their telephone number is 08081689111 or you can live chat via victimsupport.org.uk/live-chat. All support is free, confidential and available 24 hours a day. Matt Allman, Chief Education Officer, said: “It can be tremendously difficult to stand up to domestic abuse but there is support out there and Victim Support are one of many options that can help. Everyone has a right to be safe and happy and there are routes to achieve just this which can be started by a single communication. We would encourage any victims to be brave and reach out.” For more information about Victim Support click here. [...]
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Domestic Violence Awareness MonthDomestic Violence Awareness Month takes place every October across the UK and serves as an opportunity raise awareness about domestic violence, share information and support victims and survivors. According to the Office of National Statistics (ONS), millions of people across the UK are experiencing domestic abuse in one form or another. Certainly, domestic abuse can have a significant impact on children, even when they are not the direct victim. Indeed, our schools work with too many children who are suffering from violence and/or abuse in the home, and we see how this detrimentally impacts on their education, relationships and well-being. Consequently, our Trust is providing an important opportunity for our schools to raise awareness of domestic abuse, promote healthy relationships, and signpost support available to children, young people, and their families. Our Safeguarding Lead Professional has provided a support letter for all families outlining support, guidance and contacts to those afflicted either directly or indirectly by this problem. The letter can be accessed here. Toph Briggs, Primitas Safeguarding Lead Professional, said: “Our Trust-wide focus on Domestic Violence Awareness Month is important because we know it is an issue that seriously affects our schools’ communities. Our schools play an important role in supporting families and we would urge anyone affected by domestic abuse to read the guidance we have provided and/or talk to or schools about where they can access support. Everyone deserves to be safe in their home, and as a Trust we stand by our duty to support with this.” [...]

Students from Queen’s Croft High Schools have partnered with a local business to run a new community café for our city.
The students from Queen's Croft High School will take part in the initiative at 55 Wade Street...
https://www.primitas.co.uk/2026/10/08/queens-croft-sixth-formers-run-community-business

Looking back, the Lichfield Community Safety Partnership's Community Safety Delivery Plan and Community Safety Strategy (2022-2025) identified six key priorities...
https://www.primitas.co.uk/2026/10/08/domestic-and-gender-based-violence-in-our-local-community

Following our recent communication regarding Domestic Abuse Awareness Week, we would like to take this opportunity to remind families that our school is part of Operation Encompass, a national safeguarding initiative...
https://www.primitas.co.uk/2026/10/08/operation-encompass

The Pathway Project is a Staffordshire-based charity that provides specialist support for adults, young people and children affected by domestic and sexual abuse.
Based in Lichfield and Tamworth, the organisation...
https://www.primitas.co.uk/2026/10/08/the-pathway-project

Victim Support is an independent charity dedicated to supporting people affected by crime and traumatic events across England and Wales.
The organisation provides free, confidential support to victims, witnesses, and...
https://www.primitas.co.uk/2026/10/08/victim-support-charity-support-for-domestic-violence

Domestic Violence Awareness Month takes place every October across the UK and serves as an opportunity raise awareness about domestic violence, share information and support victims and survivors... https://www.primitas.co.uk/2026/10/08/domestic-violence-awareness-month

Primitas continue to work with Best Practice Network (BPN) to deliver high-quality training to school staff from across our region.
BPN is one of the UK's largest education and training providers... https://www.primitas.co.uk/2026/10/08/primitas-bpn-partnership-breed-success

BBC News - New vocational GCSE subjects to be introduced in schools...
As a Trust we hugely value vocational courses - and we do a great job with them - but another round of news courses begins again...

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New vocational GCSE subjects to be introduced in schools

New GCSE subjects could include child development and building and construction as vocational courses are being introduced.

www.bbc.co.uk

The Guardian - Schoolchildren without smartphones penalised with higher bus fares...
One that needs sorting - as schools have to pay to lock up phones and discourage use - children can't get home without one...

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Schoolchildren without smartphones penalised with higher bus fares

Despite guidance keeping mobile phones out of England’s schools, cheaper travel may only be available via an app

www.theguardian.com

Lichfield Live - Work completed on improvements to cycle and pedestrian safety along stretch of road in Lichfield...
We hugely appreciate the work done by Staff County Council on protecting Friary students... @StaffordshireCC

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Work completed on improvements to cycle and pedestrian safety along stretch of road in Lichfield

Upgraded crossing and footpaths included as part of £400,000 project.

lichfieldlive.co.uk

Lichfield Live - Praise from councillor for new £12million Lichfield primary school as it welcomes first children...
Huge thanks to Councillor Janet Higgins and Karl Hodgkinson for their support in opening our wonderful school... @StaffordshireCC

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Praise from councillor for new £12million Lichfield primary school as it welcomes first children

Greywood Primary Academy has opened its doors to Reception and nursery youngsters.

lichfieldlive.co.uk

Lichfield Live - Students to run community cafe as part of school's link-up with local venue...
Loving the creativity at Queen's Croft to give our students wonderful opportunities in life... Huge thanks to 55 Wade Street...
https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/students-to-run-community-cafe-as-part-of-schools-link-up-with-local-venue/

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Home - 55 Wade Street

Welcome to 55 Wade Street, where fresh quality food meets city centre vibes, nestled in the heart of the Cathedral city of Lichfield.

www.55wadestreet.co.uk

BBC News - When Parenting Advice Becomes Too Much...
Always a balance we have to strike - but a proactive and committed involvement is vital... Parenting and friendship are not always the same thing...
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When parenting advice becomes too much

Many parents feel overwhelmed by the amount of parenting information available

www.bbc.co.uk

Lichfield Live - Free activities initiative for youngsters to run during October half-term for first time in Staffordshire...
Great offer from SCC - worth looking into for your child this half-term...@StaffordshireCC

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Free activities initiative for youngsters to run during October half-term for first time in...

Holiday Activities and Food will offer those eligible for free school meals the chance to book sessions.

lichfieldlive.co.uk

Lichfield Live - Shenstone garden centre offering free Christmas trees for local schools and nurseries...
Loving Dobbies' (Shenstone) great offer to schools - ours are applying - fingers crossed...@dobbies

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Shenstone garden centre offering free Christmas trees for local schools and nurseries

Five Nordmann Firs will be offered to education sites within 20 miles of Dobbies outlet.

lichfieldlive.co.uk

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